At least €40,000 worth of damage has been caused to a soccer pitch in Longford after vandals stole a truck.
It is understood the keys were left in the ignition of a dumper truck that was involved in the construction of the pitch at the weekend.
The vehicle was driven in circles around the centre of the pitch.
Mayor of Longford James Keogh said a few mindless thugs were responsible for the desecration at the weekend of what was supposed to a brilliant new amenity at the Mall Sports complex in the midlands town.
‘The pitch was not yet complete but the vandals destroyed it - driving furrows into the pitch - and it will take months to sort it out’, Cllr Keogh said.
Gardaí say they are investigating and have appealed to the public for assistance.
